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2/25/08
NFL Combine Results: Darren McFadden Is Also Good When Asked To Run, Jump and Catch Without Defenders
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NFL, Darren McFadden, NFL Draft, NFL Combine
by CriticalFanatic more posts by author
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The NFL Combine is still going on for a couple more days, but in case you missed it over the weekend here's all you really need to take from the skill position workouts ...

Darren McFadden, Still Fast As I've said often, I love the combine. Not sure why, but I do. That said, it's a little silly. We watched Darren sprint through SEC defenses the last two seasons and then yesterday everyone is surprised he ran a 4.33 40. McFadden also tore it up in all the other drills -- besting Adrian Peterson's number last year in most. So what does this mean? Well it says that if given an open field, he's a tremendous running back. Against NFL defenses we won't know, but this should eliminate any doubt he's the best skill position prospect in the draft. 6 teams won't make the same mistake they did last year with AD.

Chris Johnson, Also Fast I mentioned it last week, that the East Carolina running back would likely top the 40-yard times and he didn't disappoint. 4.24. Now the question becomes: Is he another Chris Henry or is this speed accompanied by power and necessary vision to be a top back in the pros? Take a chance on him Day 1, for sure.

Hard to judge QB's It's nice to see their workout times just to evaluate what kind of athlete they are -- San Diego's Josh Johnson ran a 4.40 (who?), but it doesn't mean much. I do find it interesting that Chad Henne continues to get labeled as having the best passing performances since the combine, yet he's listed as the 4th or 5th best right now. If you need a QB and you've got an early second round pick and wouldn't hesitate the slightest when drafting a Michigan signal caller, particularly Henne who started all four years.

Here's how I'd draft them right now:
1. Matt Ryan
2. Chad Henne
3. Joe Flacco
4. Brian Brohm
5. Kevin O'Connell

Mario Manningham is slow Here's where you've got ignore some numbers from the combine. How many times was Manningham wide open downfield, three or four steps beyond a defensive back? Often. He's not slow, just doesn't run well in a track meet setup. I'd worry about Mario between the ears, but not on the field.

Dexter Jackson will be one of the best three receivers Yet he's probably a third round pick right now. If you've seen the Michigan-Appalachian State highlights, he essentially played the role of a faster Wes Walker. Untouchable on a quick crossing pattern, dangerous on a screen and more or less always open. If he's on a team with a big, physical receiver he'll be extremely successful.

Desean Jackson is small Here's my really poor barometer for evaluating a player's future in the NFL. Is he smaller than me? If so, he gets a huge red flag. I'd like to consider myself in good shape, but I'm not a large man. Jackson weighed in at 169. Running a 4.35 40-time helped, but I think he'd need to have 4.1 speed to make sure he's never squarely tackled. Stud return guy deserves 2nd round status -- since Cam Cameron is out of the league, but as far as a wide out I'm not sold.

Interesting homer stat 40-yard times are nice for wide receivers, but how often do they run that route? Michigan State's Devin Thomas ran one of the fast times (4.40) but he was the fastest after 10 and 20 yards. I don't know how significant that is, but I suspect many GMs look at those numbers more. I was wondering why he left a year early, but now I know. He's nearly into late 1st round territory.

Your thoughts on the combine thus far?
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Brian Brohm at number 4???  Henne was a nice college QB and all, but he's not much more.  The highest pick I'd use on him is a 3rd or 4th and only if I had a few years to develop him, otherwise he's a waste.
 
 
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